Proper nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both mothers and their children. Yet, many pregnant women, particularly in low and middle-income countries, lack access to essential nutrients. A groundbreaking project called the Mother’s Micronutrient Supplement for Pregnancy and Lactation (MoMS) aims to address this issue. This collaboration, involving researchers from Kenya, Norway, and Denmark, seeks to develop an enhanced dietary supplement to combat low birth weight, improve maternal and child health, and foster growth and cognitive development in children. Funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the initiative has received approximately $9.87 million (€9.5 million).
Pregnancy significantly increases a woman’s nutritional needs. While obtaining nutrients from food is the ideal solution, many diets in resource-limited settings fall short of providing adequate nutrients. This deficit can lead to low birth weight, developmental issues in children, and compromised maternal health. Recognizing this, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended the use of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) in 2020. MMS provides a daily dose of 15 vital vitamins and minerals, representing a major step forward in antenatal care. However, emerging research suggests these supplements could be further refined to maximize their benefits.
The MoMS project focuses on enhancing the existing MMS formulation by increasing doses of certain nutrients and incorporating additional ones. Dr. Zipporah Bukania, Senior Principal Research Scientist at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), emphasizes the significance of this initiative:
“Nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both maternal and child health. It is crucial that we improve the nutrition of pregnant women for the benefit of their fetuses and children. Our goal is to not only improve health outcomes in participating areas but also influence global health standards.”
The improved supplement, referred to as MMS+, will include nutrients such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and choline, alongside higher doses of vitamin B3. DHA and choline are believed to support cognitive development in children, which could have lifelong benefits.
The core of the MoMS project is based in Bungoma County, western Kenya, a region grappling with food insecurity and a lack of dietary diversity. The local diet, predominantly starchy foods like ugali (made from maize, sorghum, or millet), is low in protein and fish. To address this, the project will recruit 3,000 pregnant women who will be closely monitored during pregnancy and into their children’s first year of life.
Dr. Benedikte Grenov, an associate professor at the University of Copenhagen, highlights the potential impact:
“Our aim is to create a supplement that addresses critical gaps in maternal nutrition. If women and their fetuses receive the necessary nutrients, we can significantly improve the cognitive and physical development of children.”
Beyond addressing immediate nutritional needs, the MoMS project aspires to create lasting systemic change. Arne Astrup, Senior Vice President at the Novo Nordisk Foundation, underscores the long-term vision:
“Malnutrition during pregnancy and early childhood contributes to chronic diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular issues. By strengthening local health systems, training health workers, and influencing health behaviors, we aim to create structural changes that will benefit generations.”
As the MoMS project unfolds, it holds the promise of revolutionizing maternal and child health standards globally. By addressing the root causes of malnutrition and optimizing nutritional supplements, this collaborative effort aims to secure healthier beginnings for mothers and children, creating a ripple effect of positive change across communities.
This endeavor exemplifies the power of international partnerships in tackling pressing global health challenges, blending research with actionable solutions to pave the way for a healthier future.
